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How to become a registered nurse (RN) in Colorado. NCLEX-RN required. NLC compact member state. ADN or BSN accepted. CE hours: 0. Total initial fees: $444.50. Verified 2026-03-20. Data verified 2026-03-20. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Registered Nurse
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78% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NCLEX Required
Yes
NLC Member
No
BSN Required
0 hrs
CE Hours
None
Practice Hours
$444.50
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
ACEN or CCNE
Accepted Degree Types
Program Length
2-4 years depending on degree type
Clinical Hours
500 hrs
Prerequisite Education
High school diploma or GED required for ADN programs; prerequisite college coursework required for BSN programs
Registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma program. Programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. BSN programs typically take 4 years while ADN programs take 2-3 years, both including required clinical hours.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNCLEX-RN Required
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
CAT Format
75-145 Questions
Pass/fail based on adaptive algorithm; passing standard set by NCSBN
Passing Standard
$200
NCLEX Fee
Format: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 75-145 questions
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
45-day waiting period between attempts; must re-register and pay fee for each attempt
The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) administered by the NCSBN. The exam adapts to each candidate, with a minimum of 75 and maximum of 145 questions. A jurisprudence exam on state-specific nursing laws may also be required depending on the state.
NLC / eNLC Membership
Mostly verifiedNLC Member State
Yes
Multistate License
Available
Compact Privileges
Colorado is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), allowing RNs with a multistate license to practice in all other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses must meet uniform licensure requirements including a federal background check to qualify for a multistate license.
Permitted Activities & Career Pathways
VerifiedAllowed
Patient Assessment
Allowed
Care Planning
Allowed
Medication Administration
Allowed
IV Therapy
Allowed
Delegation to LPN
Allowed
Delegation to CNA
Allowed
Telehealth
Restricted Activities
Advanced Practice Specialization Pathways
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
MSN or DNP required; national certification (ANCC or AANP) and state APRN licensure
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state recognition varies
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
DNP required (effective 2025); NBCRNA certification required for CRNA practice
Nurse Midwife (CNM)
MSN or DNP required; AMCB certification required for CNM practice
Registered nurses are authorized to perform patient assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide IV therapy. RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs and CNAs under appropriate supervision. Advanced practice pathways include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee RN licensure by exam. All fees are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and subject to change. | $88 |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Background Check Fee CBI/FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check through CABS program | $39.50 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; fee published during each renewal period | $108 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($205), NCLEX ($200), and background check ($39.50) | $444.50 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$108
Regulatory Board
Registered nurse licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, and nursing ethics. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal to ensure ongoing clinical competency.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NLC Member
Yes
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to practice in all compact member states with a single multistate license. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NCLEX scores, submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.
Colorado is notable for having NO continuing education requirement for RN renewal, making it one of the easiest states for license maintenance. The state uses the DORA DPO system for all licensing, and fingerprinting goes through the specialized CABS program.
Colorado does NOT require continuing education for RN license renewal.
Colorado is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
No BSN requirement for RN licensure.
Administered through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO).
All fees are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and subject to change.
Fingerprinting is through the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) program.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#17 of 51
Cost
#45 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141)
Entry Level
$81,790
25th percentile
Median
$96,520
+3% vs. national avg ($93,600)Experienced
$104,370
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
54,510 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Registered Nurses (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+199,400
over 10 years
Annual Openings
193,100
per year (avg.)
3.2M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+189% salary growth potential
You are here
Registered Nurse
$96,520
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$44,950
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$67,480
You are here
Registered Nurse
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$96,520
MSN or DNP + national certification
$129,750
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
NCLEX-RN — 2024National rate
91.2%
Pass Rate
Based on 186,208 candidates
Source: NCSBN NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (2024)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 110–224 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks after NCLEX
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-20
Accessed 2026-03-20
Updated January 2026
Accessed 2026-03-20
Colorado requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. As an NLC member state, Colorado offers multistate practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the Colorado Board of Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.